Esquire Names 2 Puget Sound Restaurants Among America's Best In 2022

SEATTLE — Western Washington eateries picked up more national recognition this week, landing on Esquire's "Best New Restaurants" list for 2022. The lifestyle magazine's annual list honored just 40 restaurants across the country for its 40th edition, with two Puget Sound restaurants claiming a spot. While neither is too far from Seattle, both are outside city limits.

Coming in at number 12 in the rankings is Bainbridge Island's Seabird, which Esquire critics deemed well worth the ferry trip for locals and tourists alike.

"Creamy uni French toast, halibut ceviche with zippy leche de tigre and jalapeño crema, and sablefish in a delicate almond broth fortified with spicy salsa macha are just some of the reasons you’re here," the magazine writes. "But you would be remiss to miss the vegetables — they’re just as compelling as their oceanic counterparts."

White Center's Tomo landed 30th on Esquire's list, where editors noted the restaurant's unique aesthetic, music and energy to complement an adventurous menu curated by Canlis alum and James Beard winner Brady Ishiwata Williams.

"It's almost as if you're dining inside the Death Star, in the coolest way possible," Esquire writes. "The food he serves here is electric as the vibe: beef tartare tostadas topped spicy mustard green chiffonade and with an ikura that explode in your mouth."

Earlier this year, the New York Times named Seattle's Off Alley and Orcas Island's Matia as two of the nation's best restaurants. Wine Spectator recognized nearly two dozen Seattle and Eastside establishments for excellence.

>> Check out the full Best New Restaurants in America list via Esquire.